Shoe Opener Patents (Class 111/152)
  • Patent number: 10813276
    Abstract: A seed delivery system having a housing with an input opening at a first end and a discharge opening at a second end. The input opening is adjacent a seed meter and is adapted to receive and transport seeds from the seed meter to a first of a plurality of seed transport rollers disposed within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: COTE AG TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Heathcote
  • Patent number: 10743458
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for closing a planting trench. Embodiments include a disc assembly for loosening soil adjacent to the planting trench. In some embodiments a closing wheel assembly pivots relative to a subframe of a row unit of a planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Hodel, Douglas Urbaniak, Timothy Kater
  • Patent number: 10470355
    Abstract: A seeding element including a tank configured to contain seeds, at least one planting device and at least one dispensing housing delivering the seeds, one by one, via a rotary dosing element, the seeds being dispensed pneumatically. A pneumatic single-grain seeder can include at least one of the seeding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KUHN SA
    Inventors: Stephane Renault, Vincent Bach, Bruno Edler Von Der Planitz, Wolfgang Aumer
  • Patent number: 9750176
    Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural implement includes a closing disc configured to move soil into a trench. The closing disc is rotatably coupled to a first portion of a support structure via a first arm to facilitate vertical movement of the closing disc relative to the support structure. The row unit also includes a packer wheel positioned aft of the closing disc and configured to pack soil over the trench. The packer wheel is rotatably coupled to a second portion of the support structure via a second arm. The closing disc and the packer wheel are independently movable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Ryan R. Raetzman, Brian John Anderson, Johnathon R. Dienst
  • Patent number: 9717173
    Abstract: A double shoot dispensing system including a shank for opening a treatment trench, a seed shovel for creating left and right seed shelves above and on opposite sides of the treatment trench, and a two-piece boot body having a plurality of internal passages defined by assembled left and right halves of the body. A first passage directs the seeds onto the seed shelves, a second passage directs a granular fertilizer treatment into the treatment trench, and first and second tube passages receive first and second tubes delivering additional treatments into the treatment trench. Left and right ducts branch from the first passage so as to guide the deposit of the seeds. The body is constructed of a material having a relatively low mass and a relatively low coefficient of friction, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, nylon, or polyacetal, and is externally shaped so as to taper in a direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Morris Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Clint W. Sheppard, Garth W. Massie
  • Patent number: 9445537
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin J. Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Patent number: 9357688
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin J. Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20150107501
    Abstract: A scraper body adapted to be attached to a furrow opener assembly with a disc rotatably mounted on an arm and oriented at a horizontal angle to create a disc furrow. The scraper body has an attachment body portion adapted to be attached to the furrow opener assembly such that a forward scraping edge of the scraper body scrapes soil from the disc face. A wing member extends from a lower rear portion of the scraper body, and has a top wing member edge oriented in alignment with the disc furrow and with the operating travel direction. Right and left wings extending downward and outward from the top wing member edge to bottom wing edges located above a bottom edge of the disc such that in operation the wings push soil to corresponding right and left sides of the disc furrow to create right and left wing furrows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Peter Hugh Barton
  • Patent number: 8985036
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that drift is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module that gathers soil lifted by the tip and redirects the soil to a position generally rearward of the opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20150020719
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g.. excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin J. Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20150020720
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin J. Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Patent number: 8869717
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin J. Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Patent number: 8684103
    Abstract: A universal sweep plow configured to mate securely and be attached to a seed boot. The universal sweep plow includes sweep plow attachment formed from a single unit of metal and an anchor. The attachment includes a central portion configured to mate with a seed boot and right and left central portion openings configured to align with an anchor hole in the seed boot. The right and left wing portions extend outward and rearward from the central portion. The anchor is configured to attach the sweep plow to the seed boot by passing through the right and left central portion openings and the anchor hole in the seed boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Blake Neudorf, Dave Wiebe
  • Publication number: 20130319306
    Abstract: An implement for working of the ground or soil and applying seed, fertilizer or other materials into the ground which comprises a blade assembly mountable to an upright tool shank such as to allow at least limited pivotal movement of the blade assembly about a generally vertical axis, the blade assembly comprising blades which extend transversely relative to the shank and which are preferably in a V-shaped configuration, and one or more feed tubes which extend longitudinally of the blade or blades on the rear side thereof for supplying seed, fertilizer or other materials into the ground during the ground or soil working process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Allan J. Yeomans
  • Publication number: 20130319307
    Abstract: The method for planting potatoes at high speed includes the steps of providing a press wheel behind the seed drop chute; opening a furrow in a soil; dropping potato seed pieces at spaced intervals in the furrow such that each seed piece or a portion thereof intersects a forward shadow of the press wheel, and catching and decelerating each seed piece against the soil in the furrow thereby reducing set roll in each seed piece. In an alternate embodiment a pair of spaced-apart press wheels are used. These alternate press wheels are mounted astride the furrow in a positive-camber alignment for moving the soil of the furrow against the seed piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Craig McCloskey
  • Patent number: 8544396
    Abstract: A seed dispersing assembly includes a housing configured to receive and disperse seeds. The housing includes a seed wing and a sealer plate attached together. The sealer plate has a top side, a bottom side, a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The seed wing has an upper surface, a lower surface, forward edge, a rearward edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The seed wing is abutted against and coupled to a seeding apparatus. The housing has a lumen therein that is in fluid communication with a seed inlet tube of the seeding apparatus. The sealer plate is attached to the lower surface. The seed wing and the sealer plate form a pair of ejection ports of the lumen at a juncture of the rearward edge and the back edge to eject seeds received by the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Kory Anderson
  • Patent number: 8453586
    Abstract: A furrow opener comprises an opener body for mounting on a cultivator shank for movement therewith in a forward working direction and which supports a knife on a front end to deposit a fertilizer row and a wing attachment at a rear end to deposit paired seed rows in the ground. The bottom side of the opener body is stepped in profile between the knife and the wing attachment to comprise an enclosed front portion extending generally horizontally rearward from the knife, a step portion which extends upward from the front portion and primarily locates a fertilizer outlet therein and a rear portion extending generally rearward from the step portion to the rear of the opener body. The fertilizer outlet in the step portion primarily faces rearwardly and is more vertical in orientation than the enclosed front portion of the bottom side of the opener body ahead of it to shield the fertilizer outlet from the wake of earth displaced by the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Cruson
  • Publication number: 20130112123
    Abstract: An seeder includes a frame on ground wheels defining tool bars for seeding elements spaced across the frame. Each element includes a pair of parallel arms connected to the tool bar bracket forming a parallel linkage for up and down movement of a support arm connected at a rear end and carrying the packer wheel. A spring applies a downward spring force on the parallel linkage to apply a downward force on the packer wheel so that the spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as the parallel arms pivot downwardly. A control device is arranged to raise and lower the tool bar in response to a detected value of a sensor so as to change the angle of the parallel linkage and change the spring force. A cam controlled double rack adjustment of the height of the opener allows the user to change seeding depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Leo V. Turko, Larry T. Beever, Gary Allen Bergen
  • Patent number: 8434417
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jim Henry
  • Patent number: 8342109
    Abstract: A delivery boot for mounting on a shank of an agricultural implement and carrying a sweep blade. The boot features a channel member having front, rear and side walls defining a channel extending downward from an inlet proximate the top end to an outlet proximate the bottom end, a sweep connection element defined on the channel member at a front side and a shank connection element defined on the channel member at a rear side thereof. A spreader is supported on the channel member proximate the outlet thereof to receive product delivered from the inlet through the channel member and guide the product laterally outward to both sides of the outlet. Arranged to mount in front of the shank and behind the sweep, the boot positions the outlet ahead of the shank to minimize disruption of product placement by earth falling back into the furrow behind the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Atom Jet Industries (2002) Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig Senchuk, Donald Arksey
  • Patent number: 8291843
    Abstract: An apparatus for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds is described comprising a frame (8); a first row of deep loosening tines (4) carried by the frame and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame (8); and a second row of drill coulters (5) carried by the frame (8) and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame, —wherein a deep loosening tine (4) of the first row is aligned with at least one pair of drill counters (5) of the second row, in such a manner that each coulter (5) of the pair is laterally offset either side of the deep loosening tine (4). A method for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds using such an apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Shaun Wealleans
  • Publication number: 20110315057
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that drift is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module that gathers soil lifted by the tip and redirects the soil to a position generally rearward of the opener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20110315058
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin J. Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Patent number: 7980186
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jim Henry
  • Publication number: 20110168068
    Abstract: A delivery boot for mounting on a shank of an agricultural implement and carrying a sweep blade. The boot features a channel member having front, rear and side walls defining a channel extending downward from an inlet proximate the top end to an outlet proximate the bottom end, a sweep connection element defined on the channel member at a front side and a shank connection element defined on the channel member at a rear side thereof. A spreader is supported on the channel member proximate the outlet thereof to receive product delivered from the inlet through the channel member and guide said product laterally outward to both sides of the outlet. Arranged to mount in front of the shank and behind the sweep, the boot positions the outlet ahead of the shank to minimize disruption of product placement by earth falling back into the furrow behind the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Craig Senchuk, Donald Arksey
  • Publication number: 20100294182
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jim Henry
  • Patent number: 7617784
    Abstract: A seed drill planting apparatus includes an opener configured to plant a row of seeds at locations corresponding to the wing tips of the openers and a row of fertilizer at the center of the opener. The press wheels for the opener are constructed of a pair of skewed wheels that are arranged to throw soil inwardly to provide a proper cover for the rows of seeds and fertilizer placed into the ground by the opener. The skewed press wheels are connected to an adjusting mechanism that is operable to selectively vary the angle at which the press wheels are skewed with respect to the direction of travel. A one-way castering wheel is also provided to function to caster for tight turns on the side of the implement at the inside of the turn, but automatically locks into a stable position when the implement is converted into a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance Alan Friggstad
  • Patent number: 7617783
    Abstract: A paired row opener has a furrowing tip arranged to be selectively supported on a body of the opener. The furrowing tip includes a knife portion and a pair of wing portions extending rearwardly and outwardly therefrom. A central chamber between the wing portions communicates with a primary delivery passage of the opener body to receive the primary particulate material therefrom to be dispensed in a paired row from a pair of outlet openings of the chamber which are laterally spaced apart in a rear face of the tip body. A bottom wall spans a bottom side of the chamber between the wing portions to the rear face such that the outlet openings lie in an upright plane at a rearmost end of the tip body to be prevented from plugging even in wet conditions, while remaining selectively separable with the tip body from the opener body for replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Dutch Blacksmith Shop Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Cruson
  • Publication number: 20090255452
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Patent number: 7574969
    Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, especially during changes in terrain elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Barry Pomedli, Gerard James Gadzella
  • Patent number: 7540245
    Abstract: A strip till implement comprising a cultivator shovel or sweep positioned forwardly of a planter unit or strip tillage implement so as to sweep trash from the strip with a minimum of soil or ground disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Seth Spicer
  • Patent number: 7506595
    Abstract: A ground engaging furrowing tool for paired row seeding comprising a body having a forward leading point, a bottom and laterally outwardly extending wing members. Each wing member including a leading edge that flares rearward to a trailing edge to form a generally V-shaped profile bottom surface, the trailing edge of each wing member including a seed outlet only open in a rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Henry J. Bergen
  • Publication number: 20080006189
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a frame and at least one fertilizer opener carried by the frame for opening a trench in soil. Each fertilizer opener includes an opener disc positioned at an angle relative to a working direction, a boot positioned behind the opener disc relative to the working direction, and at least one fertilizer tube positioned behind the boot relative to the working direction. The boot includes a recess at a trailing edge thereof. The recess at least partially surrounds at least one fertilizer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Johnston, James Randall Peterson
  • Patent number: 7059257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terry Emerson Summach, Bradley T Summach
  • Patent number: 7055619
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for planting seed and injecting dry fertilizer (dry granular material) with an air seeder, chisel plow or cultivator with air seeder components while at the same time tiling the soil. The apparatus consists of a vertically oriented conveyance tube that directs the granular material into a groove formed by the apparatus by means of a knife mounted to the underside of a triangular configured bracket which also serves as the mounting structure. The seed and fertilizer are injected into the groove, below the compacted sweep layer (formed by the sweep shovel) and next to firm soil that does not dry out as would the loose soil above the sweep layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Linnebur, Lloyd Linnebur
  • Patent number: 6986314
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for planting seed and injecting dry fertilizer (dry granular material) with a V-Blade Plow while at the same time tilling the soil. The apparatus consists of a series of circular conveyance tubes that direct the granular material into a groove formed by the apparatus by means of a knife mounted to the underside of a metal plate which also serves as the mounting structure. The seed and fertilizer are injected into the groove, below the compacted sweep layer (formed by the blade) and next to firm soil that does not dry out like the loose soil above the sweep layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Linnebur, Lloyd Hubert Linnebur, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040187753
    Abstract: A subsoil applicator has an upright shank provided with a leading soil-slicing edge and a pair of opposite sides. At the bottom of the shank, a pair of soil lifting wings are provided, presenting a pair of outermost wing edges that diverge rearwardly from the lowermost and forwardmost point of the shank to the rear extremity of the applicator. The wings are generally relatively thin and flat except for a thickened portion across their rear extremity making an upright, rearwardly facing rear wall. A pair of laterally spaced discharge outlets are located in the rear wall and communicate with an internal tubular passage within the shank for delivering substance down into the soil behind the wall as the applicator advances through the soil. The discharge outlets are located in undercut portions of the rear wall, while top, upwardly facing surfaces of the thickened portion are convexly curved to improve soil flow and provide extra protection against premature wear for the internal substance passageways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jerome Robillard
  • Patent number: 6745709
    Abstract: A ground engaging tip for a seed boot attachment for depositing a seed within a furrow. The tip including a conical shape member formed of three generally planar shape side surfaces wherein two of the side surfaces meet to form an inclined leading edge extending from a tip of the conical shape member; and at least one wear resistant insert. The insert is secured to the leading edge of the ground engaging tip and includes a generally elongated bar having a leading end, a trailing end and three connecting side surfaces, a first side, second side and third side. The first, second and third side surfaces form a bar having a generally triangular cross-section, wherein the leading end of the bar is angled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignees: Kennametal Inc., GEN Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Don C. Rowlett, Henry J. Bergen, David H. Bergen
  • Patent number: 6640731
    Abstract: A planting tool for depositing seed and/or fertilizer within a furrow including a soil opener and a seed boot attached to the soil opener. The seed boot includes a synclinal shape housing and at least one furrow forming wing that protrudes below the body of the seed boot. Each wing of the seed boot has at least one wear resistant leading insert positioned in front of and in juxtaposition to at least one wear resistant trailing insert that are each secured to at least a portion of the lower forward surface of the wing and that are each in juxtaposition to a portion of a furrow forming edge of the wing. The wear resistant leading insert and the wear resistant trailing insert have cobalt concentrations of from about 15 to 22 weight percent, and from about 8 to 14 weight percent, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignees: Kennametal Inc., Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Don C. Rowlett, Gerry S. Swab, James W. Henry, Dave Wiebe
  • Patent number: 6405665
    Abstract: A furrowing tool for an agricultural planter is formed in a modular configuration to provide for paired row seeding operation. The furrowing tool includes a seedbed furrowing member having an edge lying in a flat cutting plane to form a substantially flat seedbed as the furrowing tool is drawn through ground and a fertilizer furrowing member extending below the cutting plane to form an indentation in the seedbed. The seedbed furrowing member is formed with an upper surface extending rearwardly from the edge and with a void between the upper surface and the cutting plane. The furrowing tool further includes a forwardly and downwardly directed fertilizer dispensing passage to direct a stream of fertilizer at a forward direction into the indentation formed in the seed bed. The stream of seeds is also directed forwardly onto the seedbed through the void formed between the upper surface and the cutting plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: James Wayne Henry, Gerry Steven Swab, David Wieb
  • Patent number: 6382115
    Abstract: Plowshare particularly for seeding and eventual manuring in soil in a continuous line of the type involving two equal and symmetrical opposite convergent wings with an apex having a substantial “V” shaped plan (31). Their ends are turned upwards (32) so that the plowshare may be pulled so as to penetrate at a certain depth into the soil; cut the soil at the depth and make it slide above the wings (31). The flaps (32) force the soil to pour back in the obtained furrow covering it, applying at least one seed distribution device in the free area of the “V” shaped inside apex being possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Mauro Collovati
  • Publication number: 20020043198
    Abstract: A ground-engaging paired row furrow forming tool includes a tool body having fore and aft ends with an outer edge defined on each of two opposing sides of the tool body. A furrowing wing is located adjacent each of the opposing sides and protrudes from bottom portions of the tool body. The tool body has lower surfaces including a central front surface portion which is angled upwards towards the fore end and a center passage is defined between the furrowing wings. This passageway is in part defined by a central rear surface portion which is adapted to be substantially aligned fore to aft in a direction of travel T during operation of the ground engaging tool. This paired row opener works well without compromise in a broad range of soil conditions without fouling and enables planting of seed rows spaced widely apart while minimizing soil surface disturbance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Gerry Steven Swab, James Wayne Henry
  • Patent number: 6363871
    Abstract: A unique quick change system constitutes the present invention. The invention comprises a two-piece seed boot holder and spreader for use with air seeding devices used in agriculture. The seed boot holder is adapted to bolt onto the shank of an ordinary cultivator behind a seeding opener. The spreader portion of the seed boot matingly engages the holder and is secured by an easily removable pin. Depending upon the desired spread of the seed and fertilizer and the size of the trench created by the seeding opener, various spreader attachments can be used. Thus, the invention allows the farmer to quickly change the spread of seed and/or fertilizer to match his quick change seeding opener without effort and no reconstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: F. B. Bourgault Tillage Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan Murray Puetz, Linus Ian Yeager
  • Patent number: 6357368
    Abstract: A ground-engaging paired row furrow forming tool includes a tool body having fore and aft ends with an outer edge defined on each of two opposing sides of the tool body. A furrowing wing is located adjacent each of the opposing sides and protrudes from bottom portions of the tool body. The tool body has lower surfaces including a central front surface portion which is angled upwards towards the fore end and a center passage is defined between the furrowing wings. This passageway is in part defined by a central rear surface portion which is adapted to be substantially aligned fore to aft in a direction of travel T during operation of the ground engaging tool. This paired row opener works well without compromise in a broad range of soil conditions without fouling and enables planting of seed rows spaced widely apart while minimizing soil surface disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerry Steven Swab, James Wayne Henry
  • Patent number: 6332412
    Abstract: A ground-engaging paired row furrow forming tool includes a tool body having fore and aft ends with an outer edge defined on each of two opposing sides of the tool body. A furrowing wing is located adjacent each of the opposing sides and protrudes from bottom portions of the tool body. The tool body has lower surfaces including a central front surface portion which is angled upwards towards the fore end and a center passage is defined between the furrowing wings. This passageway is in part defined by a central rear surface portion which is adapted to be substantially aligned fore to aft in a direction of travel T during operation of the ground engaging tool. This paired row opener works well without compromise in a broad range of soil conditions without fouling and enables planting of seed rows spaced widely apart while minimizing soil surface disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerry Steven Swab, James Wayne Henry
  • Patent number: 6178901
    Abstract: A furrow opener of an air seed planter is equipped with a seed boot and seed positioner for planting one or more rows of seeds in soil. The seed boot has walls providing a passage for directing seeds into a furrow. The seed positioner attached to the seed boot channels seeds in one or more rows of seeds and covers the seeds with a substantially uniform layer of soil. The forward ground speed of the air seed planter and the velocity of the seeds carried by the flowing air reduce seed bounce due to the reverse drop of the seed boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6178900
    Abstract: A fertilizer applicator assembly for use with a chisel plow includes a diverter shoe located in the root zone of the crop, above the tillage point of the plow. The diverter shoe closes the furrow formed by the plow shank and forms a lateral pocket in the soil for distributing a band of particulate fertilizer behind and to the side of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Dietrich, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5996514
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for the subsurface application of chemicals such as metham sodium in soil. A frame is shown, capable of being pulled across a field, the frame having a plurality of shanks with a plate and a rearwardly discharging wide angle flat spray nozzle mounted at the end of each shank. The plates all lie in a single plane, substantially horizontal to the soil's surface. Structure is provided for delivering the chemical from a reservoir to the nozzles. The chemical is thereby applied in a single pass at a depth of up to 12 inches, and allowed to migrate upward in the soil, thereby achieving application of the chemical in a discrete layer of the soil, without unduly disturbing the soil's surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: James M. Arriola, D. Martin Arriola
  • Patent number: 5983813
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spreader for use on a delivery tube of a seeding tool. The spreader is mounted for adjustable positioning in the product stream providing a selectable width of product scatter. The invention preferably includes a tapered deflecting surface with a convex laterally angled surfaces for achieving an even scatter pattern, especially over the varying scatter widths. The deflecting surface is pivoted or advanced into the product stream to change the breadth of surface struck by the product as a result causing different scatter patterns. In a preferred embodiment the spreader includes a channel for mounting onto the delivery tube with a pivot pin pivotally securing it adjacent the outlet and selectively adjustable securing points for angular adjustment. The spreading deflecting surface is separated from the outlet in the direction of product stream so that deflected product is not shielded by the delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd
    Inventors: Gerry S. Swab, James W. Henry, Murray H. Wood
  • Patent number: 5974987
    Abstract: There is disclosed a seed drilling implement (10) which comprises a frame (11), a coupling device (12) at the forward end of the frame (11), drilling elements (13) mounted on the frame (11) at or near the rear end of the frame, coulters (14) mounted on the frame (11) forwardly of the respective drilling elements (13), forward packer elements (15) mounted on the frame (11) forwardly of the coulters (14) and arranged at least partly to support the frame (11) in order to control the operating depths of the coulters (14) and the drilling elements (13), and an associated rear packer element (16) mounted rearwardly of the respective drilling element (13), and arranged to exert a soil-packing operation over each seeded row formed by the drilling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kverneland Klepp AS
    Inventors: Hans Petter Langbakk, Torstein Salte